Overcoming Trauma Podcast

From Porn, Adderall, and Alcohol to Peace Through One Prayer - Connor Shaw’s Redemption

In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Connor Shaw opens up about his journey from a successful college athlete to hitting rock bottom—and ultimately finding spiritual transformation. Connor shares how his identity was rooted in sports and performance, and how, after losing that foundation, he turned to partying, drugs, and temporary pleasures to fill the growing void. Despite outward success, he felt increasingly lost, anxious, and depressed. After hitting a physical and emotional low while working in Florida, he made a life-altering decision: to turn fully to God. He describes the exact moment of surrender, his first real prayer, and the unexpected peace that washed over him. From battling addiction, self-doubt, and failure, to experiencing healing, joy, and purpose, Connor’s story is a raw and redemptive look at what it means to fully surrender and rebuild your life with God at the center. Whether you're struggling with self-worth, facing tough decisions, or just looking for hope, this conversation will inspire and uplift. Topics covered: * Identity loss after college sports * The dangers of chasing worldly pleasure * Addiction to Adderall, alcohol, and validation * Turning to God in the darkest moment * The power of prayer and surrender * Learning to love others by loving yourself * Living with spiritual confidence Share this episode with someone who needs a reminder that no matter how far you've fallen, it's never too late to turn around.

Divorce. Addiction. Jesus. My Full Story.

I'm asking others to be vulnerable on this show. So that's what I did today...This isn’t just about a story of pain — it’s about what happens when your world falls apart and you're left wondering who you really are.I share:How my marriage ended and left me completely aloneThe darkest season of my life — battling addiction, depression, and spiritual disconnectionThe night I felt Satan in my roomThe turning point that came when I picked up the Book of Mormon againWhy I’m building this podcast — not because I did it all right, but because I didn’tThis episode is for anyone who’s ever felt broken, lost, or far from God. It’s a testimony of how light can return, even after you’ve gone down a path you never meant to take.If you’re in a dark place, you’re not alone. There’s a way back. There’s always hope.Please share this episode with someone who needs a reminder that no matter how far you’ve fallen, God is still reaching for you.

TRAILER - Overcoming Trauma Podcast - With Matthew Richardson

I’m Matthew Richardson, and I want to welcome you to the Overcoming Trauma Podcast. I’ll be bringing on individuals who have been through the darkest moments of their lives — people who’ve been broken, lost, and felt like they were in the depths of hell — but who’ve found a way to rise, heal, and turn their trauma into triumph. The whole purpose of this podcast is to assist the Lord in His work. I believe He can take our pain and turn it into purpose, take mourning and turn it into dancing, and like it says in Isaiah, bring beauty from ashes. That’s what this podcast is about. If you’re going through something heavy right now, this podcast is for you. If you know someone who is, share this with them. And if you want to be part of the Lord’s work in lifting others and spreading light, I invite you to come on this journey with me.

TRAILER - Overcoming Trauma Podcast - With Matthew Richardson

I’m Matthew Richardson, and I want to welcome you to the Overcoming Trauma Podcast.I’ll be bringing on individuals who have been through the darkest moments of their lives — people who’ve been broken, lost, and felt like they were in the depths of hell — but who’ve found a way to rise, heal, and turn their trauma into triumph.The whole purpose of this podcast is to assist the Lord in His work. I believe He can take our pain and turn it into purpose, take mourning and turn it into dancing, and like it says in Isaiah, bring beauty from ashes. That’s what this podcast is about.If you’re going through something heavy right now, this podcast is for you. If you know someone who is, share this with them. And if you want to be part of the Lord’s work in lifting others and spreading light, I invite you to come on this journey with me.