Keys to Emotional Intimacy: Empathy, Attunement, and Responsiveness

PSR Podcast is a listener supported outreach of Be Broken Ministries.Year-End Matching Gift Opportunity!Now through December 31, 2025 your gift will be DOUBLED, up to $71,500! Please help us reach this match in order to keep all our programs and services running strong into the New Year.Partner with us at BeBroken.org/donate.Thank you for your support!----------In this episode, I sit down with my good friend and colleague Dr. Stephen Cervantes—Doctor Marriage—to explore the vital roles of empathy, attunement, and responsiveness in relationships. We share personal stories and practical tips for husbands who want to connect more deeply with their wives. Dr. Cervantes explains how empathy means “practicing sadness with someone,” and we discuss how attunement and responsiveness help build emotional closeness. Whether you’re new to these skills or looking to grow, this conversation offers encouragement and real-life tools for nurturing a more compassionate, Christ-centered marriage.To get daily insights from Stephen, visit DoctorMarriage.org. Topics Covered in this Episode:Importance of empathy, attunement, and responsiveness in marriage counseling.Definition of empathy as "practicing sadness with someone" and its role in emotional connection.The significance of being present with a partner during their emotional struggles.Clarification of empathy in a Christian context, equating it with compassion.The necessity of having the right emotional tools for genuine connection in relationships.The concept of attunement as matching a partner's mood and emotional state.The role of nonverbal communication in attunement and emotional connection.The importance of responsiveness after attuning to a partner's emotional state.The impact of emotional presence on healing and deeper connection in relationships.The ongoing nature of learning and practicing these skills for emotional growth in marriage.More Resources:Daily Thoughts from Doctor MarriageBuilding True Intimacy* by Drake and RaabsmithHelp Her Heal* by Carol J. SheetsRelated Podcasts:Early Recovery Couples Empathy ModelEmotional Insights for MenThe Three Phases of Couples Recovery*This is an affiliate link. Be Broken may earn referral fees on purchases through this link.----------Please rate and review our podcast: Apple PodcastsFollow us on our Vimeo Channel.

PSR Podcast is a listener supported outreach of Be Broken Ministries.Year-End Matching Gift Opportunity!Now through December 31, 2025 your gift will be DOUBLED, up to $71,500! Please help us reach this match in order to keep all our programs and services running strong into the New Year.Partner with us at BeBroken.org/donate.Thank you for your support!----------In this episode, our guest is Amber Albee Swenson—mom, Bible teacher, and author—to talk about her book, The Key to Confidence. Amber shares her personal journey from shame and brokenness to finding true confidence in Christ. We discuss the importance of understanding our identity as God’s children, the power of honest confession, and the vital role of prayer and community in healing. Amber’s transparency and wisdom offer hope for anyone struggling with feeling “not enough.” Join us for a raw, real, and uplifting conversation about grace, faith, and walking confidently in God’s love.To learn more about Amber and her book, visit AmberAlbeeSwenson.org. Topics Covered in this Episode:Amber Albee Swenson's personal journey and struggles with shame and sexual brokenness.The role of faith and identity in overcoming feelings of inadequacy.The distinction between self-confidence and confidence in God.The importance of understanding one's identity as a child of God.The significance of prayer in building confidence and healing.The concept of confession and its role in breaking the power of shame.The idea that past mistakes do not define one's identity in Christ.The transformative power of communal prayer and support within the Christian community.The focus of Amber's book as a spiritual resource rather than a self-help guide.Encouragement to trust in God's faithfulness and power, regardless of personal limitations.More Resources:The Key to Confidence* by Amber Albee SwensonGetting Past the Past* by Amber Albee SwensonThe Bondage Breaker* by Neil T. AndersonRelated Podcasts:PSR Podcast Bundle: Overcoming ShameYour True Identity: The Journey from Head Knowledge to Heart Belief in ChristHow to Embrace Jesus-Centered Sexuality in a Broken World*This is an affiliate link. Be Broken may earn referral fees on purchases through this link.----------Please rate and review our podcast: Apple PodcastsFollow us on our Vimeo Channel.

PSR Podcast is a listener supported outreach of Be Broken Ministries.Year-End Matching Gift Opportunity!Now through December 31, 2025 your gift will be DOUBLED, up to $71,500! Please help us reach this match in order to keep all our programs and services running strong into the New Year.Partner with us at BeBroken.org/donate.Thank you for your support!----------In this episode, I sit down with Sean Maney, director of First Light in St. Louis, to discuss sexual recovery ministry. Sean shares how First Light supports men and women struggling with compulsive sexual behavior through community, therapy, and discipleship. We then explore the importance of holistic healing and transformation, the cultural normalization of pornography, and how the church’s response has changed over the years. Sean offers hope and encouragement for anyone feeling stuck or ashamed, reminding us that real transformation is possible through grace, community, and a multi-dimensional approach to recovery.To learn more about Sean and his ministry, visit FirstLightStLouis.org. Topics Covered in this Episode:Overview of First Light, a sexual discipleship ministry in St. Louis.Comprehensive recovery programs for individuals struggling with compulsive sexual behavior.Importance of community support and accountability in recovery.Role of therapy and counseling in addressing deeper emotional wounds.Discussion on the normalization of pornography in society and its impact on individuals and the church.Cultural shifts in attitudes towards pornography over the past 15 years.The progression of sexual behaviors from pornography to more severe actions.The need for a multi-dimensional recovery approach combining groups, counseling, and intensive care.Challenges faced by the church in addressing sexual brokenness and providing adequate support.Encouragement for individuals struggling with sexual issues to seek help and embrace community.More Resources:Help for MenHelp for WivesHelp for Church LeadersRelated Podcasts:Can the Church Be a Safe Place for Healing and Transformation?Going Deeper: How Your Inner Child Impacts Your Sexual AddictionThe Power of Vulnerability: How Group Support Transformed Mike's Recovery Journey----------Please rate and review our podcast: Apple PodcastsFollow us on our Vimeo Channel.

PSR Podcast is a listener supported outreach of Be Broken Ministries.Year-End Matching Gift Opportunity!Now through December 31, 2025 your gift will be DOUBLED, up to $71,500! Please help us reach this match in order to keep all our programs and services running strong into the New Year.Partner with us at BeBroken.org/donate.Thank you for your support!----------In this episode, I sit down with Drew Boa to discuss his new book, Outgrow Porn: Find Lasting Freedom Without Fighting an Exhausting Battle. Drew shares his personal journey and explains why traditional purity culture and military-style approaches often fall short. We then explore his compassionate, holistic method that focuses on healing childhood wounds, understanding emotional triggers, and embracing inner child work. Drew encourages viewing relapses as feedback, not failure, and highlights the importance of grace and self-compassion in recovery. If you’re a man seeking hope and lasting change, this conversation offers fresh insight and encouragement.To get the book, visit OutgrowPorn.com. To learn more about Drew and his ministry, visit HusbandMaterial.com.Topics Covered in this Episode:Discussion of pornography addiction, particularly among men.Critique of traditional purity culture and its limitations.Introduction of the "outgrow porn" approach to recovery.Emphasis on healing childhood wounds and inner child work.Exploration of core emotional triggers such as fear, shame, and loss.Importance of viewing relapses as feedback rather than failure.Promotion of a growth mindset in the recovery process.Connection between triggers and childhood experiences.The role of grace and self-compassion in recovery.Resources and support available through Husband Material Ministries.More Resources:Outgrow Porn* by Drew BoaHusband Material ResourcesGateway to Freedom 3-Day Intensive for MenRelated Podcasts:Outgrowing the Porn PacifierNavigating the 3 Stages of Recovery from Porn AddictionThe Key to Real and Lasting Freedom from Porn*This is an affiliate link. Be Broken may earn referral fees on purchases through this link.----------Please rate and review our podcast: Apple PodcastsFollow us on our Vimeo Channel.

PSR Podcast is a listener supported outreach of Be Broken Ministries. Year-End Matching Gift Opportunity!Now through December 31, 2025 your gift will be DOUBLED, up to $71,500! Please help us reach this match in order to keep all our programs and services running strong into the New Year. Partner with us at BeBroken.org/donate. Thank you for your support!----------In this episode, I sit down with returning guest Ashley Jameson, a sex educator and author of the new book "Girl Talk." We dive into why it’s so important for moms to have honest, ongoing conversations with their daughters about sex, even when it feels awkward or scary. Ashley shares personal stories, up-to-date research, and practical tips for starting these talks early, addressing common fears, and becoming a safe, trusted source for your kids—especially as they face pressures from peers, social media, and early exposure to pornography. If you’re a mom of a daughter, you won’t want to miss this conversation.For more info on Ashley and the book, go to PureDesire.org. Topics Covered in this Episode:Importance of open communication between mothers and daughters about sexuality.Challenges and fears mothers face when discussing sex with their daughters.The risks of not addressing sexual topics early in a child's life.Insights from personal experiences and research on youth exposure to pornography.The role of parents as primary sources of information regarding sexual topics.The significance of starting conversations about sex at a young age.The impact of societal pressures and media on children's understanding of sexuality.Strategies for creating a safe environment for discussions about sex.The need for resources like the book "Girl Talk" to guide these conversations.The universal nature of curiosity and struggles related to sexuality among youth.More Resources:Girl Talk* by Ashley JamesonCritical Conversations FREE online course7 Tips for Parents (free download in English and Spanish)Related Podcasts:Helping Your Kids Apply the Gospel to Sex and SexualityParenting in a Hypersexualized and Identity Confused CultureHelping the Next Generation Navigate Healthy Relationships*This is an affiliate link. Be Broken may earn referral fees on purchases through this link.----------Please rate and review our podcast: Apple PodcastsFollow us on our Vimeo Channel.

PSR Podcast is a listener supported outreach of Be Broken Ministries. Partner with us through giving at BeBroken.org/donate. Thank you for your support!----------In this episode, I sit down with Stephen Cervantes to explore why so many of us feel stuck in our personal growth, especially men facing addiction and relational struggles. We share honest stories about excuses, limiting beliefs, and the deep fears that hold us back—like failure, rejection, and not feeling good enough. Together, we unpack how faith, hope, and community can help us move forward, break old cycles, and embrace the growth God has for us. We were created for “abundant life” and this means we all need a growth mission throughout life.To get daily insights from Stephen Cervantes, visit DoctorMarriage.org. Topics Covered in this Episode:Theme of personal growth and overcoming feelings of being "stuck"Emotional, spiritual, and relational growth, particularly for men in recoveryCommon barriers to growth, including self-doubt, comparison, overwhelm, and confusionThe role of personality and perspective in personal developmentConnection between past experiences and current strugglesThe significance of community and accountability in the growth processExploration of limiting beliefs and excuses that hinder progressDiscussion of core fears that contribute to feeling stuck, such as fear of failure, rejection, and abandonmentEncouragement to embrace growth through curiosity, faith, and taking action despite discomfortMore Resources:49 Days of Growth* by Stephen CervantesEmotionally Healthy Spirituality* by Peter ScazzeroPersonal Ministry ConsultationRelated Podcasts:PSR Bundle for Men: Emotional GrowthHow to Turn Emotional Triggers Into Opportunities for GrowthFor Men Who Want to Finish Strong*This is an affiliate link. Be Broken may earn referral fees on purchases through this link.----------Please rate and review our podcast: Apple PodcastsFollow us on our Vimeo Channel.

PSR Podcast is a listener supported outreach of Be Broken Ministries. Partner with us through giving at BeBroken.org/donate. Thank you for your support!----------In this episode, I reconnect with KathyGrace Duncan, who briefly shares her remarkable journey of living as a man for 11 years before finding transformation and true identity in Christ. The bulk of our conversation focuses on what it means to move from “head knowledge” of identity in Christ to “heart belief,” exploring how God renews our minds and hearts through Scripture, prayer, and community. KathyGrace offers practical wisdom on embracing our true identity in Christ, overcoming old patterns, and living as those who are permanently loved by God. It’s an honest, hope-filled conversation about ongoing transformation and the freedom found in God’s love.For more info on KathyGrace and navigating identity issues, visit PortlandFellowship.com and ChangedMovement.com. Topics Covered in this Episode:Testimony of living as a man for 11 years despite being biologically female.Transformation and redemption through faith in Jesus Christ.Involvement in ministry work, particularly in women's and transgender ministry.Exploration of identity in Christ and its cultural and spiritual significance.Biblical perspectives on identity, referencing scriptures from 1 Peter, Ephesians, Galatians, and Romans.Concepts of the "old man" and the "new man" in relation to personal transformation.The process of renewing the mind and its importance in spiritual growth.Distinction between intellectual knowledge and heartfelt belief in God’s truth.The role of prayer and community in facilitating ongoing transformation.Encouragement to embrace one's identity in Christ and live out that truth.More Resources:Identity: What Foundation Are You Building On?* by John FortIdentity in Christ* by Neil T. AndersonLove Thy Body* by Nancy PearceyRelated Podcasts:Embracing God's Image in GenderChanged: The Amazing Transformation of a Former Lesbian PastorOvercoming Shame and Embracing Your True Identity*This is an affiliate link. Be Broken may earn referral fees on purchases through this link.----------Please rate and review our podcast: Apple PodcastsFollow us on our Vimeo Channel.

PSR Podcast is a listener supported outreach of Be Broken Ministries. Partner with us through giving at BeBroken.org/donate. Thank you for your support!----------In this episode, I welcome back Matthew  and Joanna Raabsmith to dive into their “Three Phases of Couple Recovery” model for healing from sexual addiction and betrayal trauma. Together, we explore the Recovery, Restoration, and Renewal phases—discussing how couples can move from crisis and individual healing to rebuilding trust, intimacy, and shared purpose. Joanna and Matthew share practical tips, emphasize the importance of trauma-informed support, and encourage patience with the non-linear journey of recovery. Whether you’re just starting in recovery or seeking restoration and renewal for your relationship, their insights offer hope and guidance for every step of the process.To learn more about Matthew and Joanna and their marriage resources, visit RaabsmithTeam.com. Topics Covered in this Episode:The three phases of couple recovery: Recovery, Restoration, and Renewal.The Recovery phase focuses on individual healing and establishing safety after betrayal or addiction.The importance of trauma-informed support during the Recovery phase.The emotional intensity and relational work involved in the Restoration phase.The concept of "couple grieving" as a unified process for both partners.The role of forgiveness in the Restoration phase and its timing.The ongoing nature of the Restoration phase and the potential for revisiting earlier work.The Renewal phase as an opportunity to build a new relationship and shared purpose.The significance of designing rituals of connection and exploring shared dreams in the Renewal phase.The non-linear nature of recovery, emphasizing patience and awareness throughout the process.Read Blog Post: The Three Phases of Couples Recovery - and What Kind of Help You Need in EachMore Resources:Renewing Us Couples Retreat (Nov 14-16)Couples and Individual CoachingCouples Group ProgramRelated Podcasts:Rebuilding a Healthy Marriage After BetrayalThe Role of Boundaries in Marriage RestorationHelping Couples Walk the Path of Restoration After Sexual Betrayal----------Please rate and review our podcast: Apple PodcastsFollow us on our Vimeo Channel.

PSR Podcast is a listener supported outreach of Be Broken Ministries. Partner with us through giving at BeBroken.org/donate. Thank you for your support!----------In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Juli Slattery to talk about sexual discipleship in parenting. Juli shares insights from her new book, "Surrendered Sexuality," and explains how sexual discipleship is an ongoing, grace-filled journey—much deeper than traditional sex education. We discuss the unique role parents play in shaping their kids’ understanding of sexuality, the importance of modeling both truth and grace, and how surrender, not perfection, is the goal. Juli encourages parents to embrace their own growth and trust God’s grace in the process. It’s a hopeful, practical conversation for every parent.To learn more about Juli and get her resources, visit AuthenticIntimacy.com.Topics Covered in this Episode:Definition and distinction between sexual discipleship and sex education.The role of parents as primary influencers in their children's understanding of sexuality.Importance of integrating biblical truth and grace in parenting.Goals of parenting from a biblical perspective, including passing on a godly heritage.The significance of daily life moments in teaching children about sexuality.The impact of cultural views on sexuality and the need for a biblical worldview.The concept of surrender in the context of sexual discipleship and parenting.The necessity for parents to engage in their own sexual discipleship journey.The importance of transparency and humility in parenting.Resources available for parents to support their journey in sexual discipleship.More Resources:Surrendered Sexuality* by Dr. Juli SlatteryRethinking Sexuality* by Dr. Juli SlatteryCritical Conversations (FREE online course)Related Podcasts:What is Sexual Discipleship?The Sex Talk You Never GotParenting in a Hypersexualized and Identity-Confused Culture*This is an affiliate link. Be Broken may earn referral fees on purchases through this link.----------Please rate and review our podcast: Apple PodcastsFollow us on our Vimeo Channel.

PSR Podcast is a listener supported outreach of Be Broken Ministries. Partner with us through giving at BeBroken.org/donate. Thank you for your support!----------In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Stephen Cervantes to talk about the lifelong journey of emotional growth, especially for men. We introduce a practical tool—the phrase, “The God in me is bigger than the fear in you”—to help you stay centered and respond thoughtfully when facing criticism or negativity. We explore how compassion and faith can transform tough interactions, and encourage you to make this simple tool a habit for deeper emotional growth. Remember, you’re not alone on this journey. We’re here to support you as we all grow stronger and more resilient, together.For daily insights from Stephen, visit DoctorMarriage.org.Topics Covered in this Episode:Emotional growth as a lifelong journey, particularly for men.The significance of practical tools for handling criticism and negativity.Introduction of the phrase: "The God in me is bigger than the fear in you" as an emotional growth tool.The importance of centering oneself and regulating emotions in challenging situations.Recognizing fear as a root cause of negative behavior in others.Encouraging compassion over combativeness when faced with attacks.Application of the emotional growth tool in various scenarios of criticism and insults.The effectiveness of the phrase as an internal statement rather than a verbal response.The role of faith in managing difficult interactions and emotional responses.Building a habit of emotional regulation through repetition of the phrase.More Resources:Emotionally Healthy Spirituality* by Peter ScazzeroSeven Desires* by Mark & Debra LaaserFind a CounselorRelated Podcasts:50 Things to Do When Your Fear Gets TriggeredHow to Learn (and Respond to) Your Fear SystemUnoffendable: How Your Response to Criticism Affects Your Emotional Maturity*This is an affiliate link. Be Broken may earn referral fees on purchases through this link.----------Please rate and review our podcast: Apple PodcastsFollow us on our Vimeo Channel.