The Arch Kennedy Podcast

Why Didn't Acceptance Fix This?

If acceptance is the answer, why do alcohol and drug abuse rates remain elevated in the gay community? In this episode, I explore that question through my own experience. When I first came out in the late 1980s and early 1990s, society was far more hostile toward gay people than it is today. Rejection, stigma, and isolation were real, and many people point to those factors as major contributors to addiction. But society has changed dramatically, and yet the struggles remain. Drawing from my own journey through addiction, recovery, and faith, I explain why I eventually came to believe the deeper issue wasn't merely social—it was spiritual. I also share what people mean when they say "Jesus is the answer" and how that played out in my own life through sobriety, boundaries, self-control, and lasting change.

Why I Stopped Celebrating Pride Month

People often tell me I don't understand Pride Month. The truth is, I spent years immersed in the gay community. I attended Pride events, marches, and festivals, and experienced that culture from the inside. In this episode, I share my journey from identifying with the gay community to finding my identity in Christ. I discuss what I witnessed firsthand, how years of Bible study challenged my assumptions, and why I no longer support or celebrate Pride Month.

Can a Christian Love God and Still Struggle With Addiction?

What does it mean when someone genuinely loves God but still struggles with addiction? In this episode, I talk honestly about something I think many Christians misunderstand. Too often, addiction gets reduced to “just stop” or “you just need more faith,” but the reality is often far more complicated. Drawing from my own experience with addiction, I talk about faith, brain chemistry, shame, obedience, withdrawal, repentance, and what it looks like to keep fighting for freedom through Christ even when the battle feels overwhelming. We wrestle with difficult questions like: Does ongoing struggle mean weak faith? Is addiction only a choice? What is the difference between struggle and rebellion? And what does biblical obedience look like when freedom does not happen overnight? If you have ever wondered why the battle still feels hard even when you genuinely love God, this conversation is for you.

I Couldn’t Follow Christ Until I Stopped Feeding This

In this episode, I share what began changing in my life when I stopped feeding the things pulling me away from Christ and started building daily obedience through Scripture, boundaries, and surrender. If you’ve struggled with temptation, addiction, loneliness, or feeling spiritually stuck, this episode is for you. I talk honestly about obedience, temptation, healing, and what it looks like to pursue Christ one decision at a time.

Why Obedience to God Can Feel Lonely

In this episode, I talk honestly about the loneliness that can come with obedience to Christ. I share personal thoughts about same-sex attraction, celibacy, ongoing struggle, and why I believe the Church needs both biblical truth and deeper compassion for believers carrying difficult crosses. This is a conversation about costly obedience, discipleship, loneliness, and continuing to follow Jesus even when the road feels heavy.