E57- Hitting Bottom and Finding God: Michael McBee's Spiritual Awakening Journey

E61- The Gifts of Sobriety: What You Actually Gain When You Quit

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2145333/fan_mail/new] What does a sobriety actually look like? In this episode, Steve breaks down the concrete benefits of recovery, not the absence of sin, but the presence of something better. Integrity. Honesty. Hope.  Not living a double life. One of the greatest and most underrated gifts of sobriety is time spent in a state of grace - sometimes longer than a man has experienced since childhood.  If you've been wondering whether recovery is real, it is.  Steve shares some of the many gifts of sobriety and what you actually gain when you quit the behavior. HELPFUL LINKS: -Join an amazing group of men in the Finally Free Group here [https://www.catholicsfightporn.com/groups]. -Get daily, uplifting CFP BOOST Texts by texting SUPPORT to (941) 279-2337 or here [https://www.catholicsfightporn.com/dailytext]. -For 30 days Free of Covenant Eyes, sign up at:  https://www.covenanteyes.com [https://www.covenanteyes.com/] PROMO CODE: CFP -Get a sweet, safe, locked-down phone [that's not a flip phone] - Get a Wisephone!  Use Promo Code: CFP to save $25 -- https://www.techless.com/CFP [https://www.techless.com/CFP] -Book an INTRO Call with Steve here [https://www.catholicsfightporn.com/introdiscoverycall]. -Email: steve@catholicsfightporn.com -Sign up for the email newsletter at the bottom left of catholicsfightporn.com -Connect with me on Instagram @catholicrecovery [https://www.instagram.com/catholicrecovery/] -Steve and a betrayed partner coach guide couples through the Full Disclosure process for those looking for full truth in their relationship.  Email Steve for more info. -Donate to CFP to support this work here [https://www.catholicsfightporn.com/donation].

E60 - Rachael Killackey from Magdala Ministries to Discuss the Other Half of the Room: Women, P*rnography, and the Road to Healing

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2145333/fan_mail/new] We talk a lot about men and p*rnography. But what about the woman sitting three rows back in the same parish, carrying the same secret, with nowhere to turn? And what about the betrayed husband who just discovered his wife is the one struggling?  In this episode, Steve sits down with Rachael Killackey, founder and executive director of Magdala Ministries and author of Love in Recovery, to have an important conversation. Women struggle with p*rn too. And the way they struggle, the way they hide, and the way they heal is not the same as men.  This episode is for the woman who needs help and hope. It's for the betrayed husband who just found out his wife is the one struggling. And it's for every priest and counselor who wants to serve the whole room, not just half of it. In this episode we cover: * How Rachael founded Magdala Ministries and why she chose Mary Magdalene as its patron * Statistics on women and p*rn * How shame hits differently for women, including what often happens when they bring this to confession * Women's pathways into p*rn, including visual content, erotica, hookup culture, and the growing threat of AI * How women heal * The core wounds beneath the behavior and what men and women actually share at the root * Betrayal trauma when the roles are reversed, what the betrayed husband experiences and what he needs Episode Timestamps: * 01:12 — Saint of the Day * 04:13 — Meet Rachael Killackey * 05:52 — Founding Magdala * 07:30 — Why Mary Magdalene * 09:22 — Women and P*rnography, The Reality * 10:51 — The Statistics on Women's Use * 12:23 — Shame and the Confessional * 17:05 — Breaking Isolation Together * 20:26 — Women's Hook, Imagination and Erotica * 22:46 — Prayer as Rewiring * 23:45 — Hookup Culture and Its Fallout * 26:30 — Culture, Access, and Normalization * 29:53 — How Women Heal * 32:29 — Mary, Surrender, and the Path Forward * 35:20 — The Core Wounds Beneath the Behavior * 37:26 — When the Husband Is the Betrayed Spouse * 43:35 — What Magdala Ministries Offers * 45:22 — Love in Recovery and Words of Hope About Rachael Killackey: Rachael Killackey is the founder and executive director of Magdala Ministries, the first Catholic ministry of its kind specifically for women healing from sexual addiction. She holds bachelor's and master's degrees in theology from Ave Maria University, is pursuing her certification in sex addiction therapy, and has personally walked with over a thousand women through stories of shame, secrecy, and healing. Her book Love in Recovery is available through Ave Maria Press. 🌐 magdalaministries.org 📖 Love in Recovery - avemariapress.com HELPFUL LINKS: -Join amazing groups of men in the Finally Free Group here [https://www.catholicsfightporn.com/groups]. -Get daily CFP BOOST Texts by texting SUPPORT to (941) 279-2337 or here [https://www.catholicsfightporn.com/dailytext]. -For 30 days Free of Covenant Eyes, sign up at:  https://www.covenanteyes.com [https://www.covenanteyes.com/] CODE: CFP -Get a Wisephone!  Use Promo Code: CFP to save $25 -https://www.techless.com/CFP [https://www.techless.com/CFP] -Book an INTRO Call with Steve here [https://www.catholicsfightporn.com/introdiscoverycall]. -Email: steve@catholicsfightporn.com -Sign up [https://www.catholicsfightporn.com/] for the email newsletter  -Donate [https://www.catholicsfightporn.com/donation]to CFP

E59- USCCB’s ‘Create in me a Pure Heart’ Document Discussed w/ Catholic ASAT-C Joshua Urrutia

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2145333/fan_mail/new] In 2025, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops released Create in Me a Pure Heart- a landmark document addressing p*rnography, its devastation, and the Church's responsibility to respond.  In this follow-up conversation with Joshua Urrutia, we go beyond the document itself and into the realities it names: the loneliness driving individuals to p*rnography in the first place, the p*rnography industry's deliberate targeting of children, the betrayal trauma impact on marriages, and what it actually looks like to walk toward healing in all of it. 00:58 Episode Welcome and Guest 01:39 Saints and Recovery Themes 04:09 Bishops Document Overview 05:11 Key Takeaways Loneliness Trauma 06:37 P*rn and Loneliness Stats 11:09 Isolation and Inner Child 15:23 Grooming and Tech Access 18:37 Phone Safeguards and Tools 22:30 Neuroscience of Addiction 25:15 Dopamine And Denial 25:50 Neurobiology Visual Tools 26:58 Betrayal Trauma Explained 28:12 D-Day Discovery Shock 30:41 Patience And Living Amends 33:47 Support Groups And Disclosure 36:23 Helping Others Stay Free 38:45 Practical Recovery Strategies 41:08 Church And Family Action 45:05 Resources And Farewell  Referenced in this episode: Create in Me a Pure Heart document [https://www.usccb.org/resources/Create-in-Me-a-Pure-Heart-Statement-on-Pornography-2025_0.pdf]— United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, 2025 Available at usccb.org About Joshua Urrutia: Joshua Urrutia is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Associate and ASAT Candidate with Intuitus Group in Texas. He holds a Master's in Counseling from Divine Mercy University, is EMDR trained, and is a verified member of the Catholic Psychotherapy Association. Joshua works with individuals and couples navigating compulsive sexual behavior, betrayal trauma, and the intersection of faith and mental health. Website: intuitus-group.com  Phone: (512) 650-8018  Email: joshua@intuitus-group.com [joshua@intuitus-group.com] HELPFUL LINKS: -Join an amazing group of men in the Finally Free Group here [https://www.catholicsfightporn.com/groups]. -Get daily, uplifting CFP BOOST Texts by texting SUPPORT to (941) 279-2337 or here [https://www.catholicsfightporn.com/dailytext]. -For 30 days Free of Covenant Eyes, sign up at:  https://www.covenanteyes.com [https://www.covenanteyes.com/] PROMO CODE: CFP -Get a sweet, safe, locked-down phone [that's not a flip phone] - Get a Wisephone!  Use Promo Code: CFP to save $25 -- https://www.techless.com/CFP [https://www.techless.com/CFP] -Book an INTRO Call with Steve here [https://www.catholicsfightporn.com/introdiscoverycall]. -Email: steve@catholicsfightporn.com -Sign up for the email newsletter at the bottom left of catholicsfightporn.com -Connect with me on Instagram @catholicrecovery [https://www.instagram.com/catholicrecovery/] -Steve and a betrayed partner coach guide couples through the Full Disclosure process for those looking for full truth in their relationship.  Email Steve for more info. -Donate [https://www.catholicsfightporn.com/donation]to CFP

E58- Ideal Support for Husband and Wife Navigating Betrayal Trauma w/ Casey Allison

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2145333/fan_mail/new] Steve O’Connor hosts special guest Casey Allison, founder of Come Awake Coaching and Consulting.   Casey is a Master Certified Coach through ICF, an APSATS-certified Partner Coach, a Certified Disclosure Guide through Kintsugi Recovery Partners, a PSAP through IITAP, and a Brainspotting practitioner. She also has training in the perinatal period with betrayed women, and additional training to support partners of sex addicts who have criminally sexually offended, whether they’ve been charged or not. She holds many other trainings and certifications as well. Casey shares how discovering her husband’s secret sexual life led her, after years of ineffective help and multiple practitioners, to find betrayal-trauma-informed support and eventually serve women navigating betrayal, pregnancy/new motherhood, and cases involving sexual offending. They discuss how uninformed resources can harm partners by blaming them, and share indicators of good support: prioritizing safety and stabilization, validating grief and anger, and aiming for post-traumatic growth rather than “going back.”  They emphasize the importance of truth and a collaborative Full Disclosure, including the Partner Impact Statement and Emotional Restitution letter, to restore mutuality, reduce shame, and foster empathy.  Casey shares about her Catholic women’s Facebook group and her coaching groups, and offers hope that healing is possible. Tune in and share! Time Stamps: Show Intro 01:13 Saint of the Day Reflection - St. John Baptist de LaSalle as a model of radical surrender 03:25 Meet Casey Allison 04:56 Casey's Story and Calling 08:13 Finding Trauma Informed Help 11:51 Safety, Stabilization, Grief, Anger and Growth 14:24 Why Full Disclosure Matters 17:21 Team Based Disclosure Support 22:04 Power, Control and Mutuality 25:06 Impact and Restitution Letters 29:47 Catholic Women Facebook Community 33:41 Casey Groups and Programs 38:29 Closing Hope and Next Steps Links for Casey: Free initial consultation: https://www.comeawakecoach.org/p/packages_4.html [https://www.comeawakecoach.org/p/packages_4.html] Support groups: https://www.comeawakecoach.org/p/community.html [https://www.comeawakecoach.org/p/community.html] Workshops and Events: https://www.comeawakecoach.org/p/promotions.html [https://www.comeawakecoach.org/p/promotions.html] Digital Resources: https://comeawakeresources.company.site/ [https://comeawakeresources.company.site/] Released to Heal Group (starting April 15th): https://www.comeawakecoach.org/p/released-to-heal-support-group.html [https://www.comeawakecoach.org/p/released-to-heal-support-group.html] HELPFUL CFP LINKS: -Join an amazing group of men in the Finally Free Group here [https://www.catholicsfightporn.com/groups]. -Get daily, uplifting CFP BOOST Texts by texting SUPPORT to (941) 279-2337 or here [https://www.catholicsfightporn.com/dailytext]. -For 30 days Free of Covenant Eyes, sign up at:  https://www.covenanteyes.com [https://www.covenanteyes.com/] PROMO CODE: CFP -Get a safe, locked-down phone - a Wisephone!  Use Promo Code: CFP to save $25 - https://www.techless.com/CFP [https://www.techless.com/CFP] -Book an INTRO Call with Steve here [https://www.catholicsfightporn.com/introdiscoverycall]. -Email: steve@catholicsfightporn.com -Sign up for the Email Newsletter at the website -Donate [https://www.catholicsfightporn.com/donation]to CFP

E57- Hitting Bottom and Finding God: Michael McBee's Spiritual Awakening Journey

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2145333/fan_mail/new] Steve sits down with Michael McBee for an inspirational conversation on hitting rock bottom, getting into recovery, finding God and helping his wife heal from betrayal trauma. Raised in Ohio, Michael was an accomplished student and athlete, while struggling for years to find freedom from his sexual addiction. This led to a life marked by unhealthy sexual behaviors, overindulgence, and selfishness. After hitting rock bottom, Michael entered recovery through a national 12-Step program. He earned his certification as a Life Coach and Sex Addiction Life Coach through the Addictions Academy. Michael is an experienced leader of TSH Freedom Groups, leads men through the 90-Day Recovery Program, and leads our online 12-Step groups. He has been married to his wife, Sarah, since 2019. Find a Men's Group at https://www.theresstillhope.org and ask for Michael! Books Michael mentioned: Fulfilling the Ultimate Quest - link [https://www.amazon.com/Love-Revised-Fulfilling-Ultimate-Quest-ebook/dp/B00903HKLU/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2123DHUX65TSJ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.-ZbGM7bhNoqZFXLwdz1ZLtPFtjvcMVIc5MLnmw7jx38.3xON3Oh_dYPt8-cFgBYX-7sTR-Jw_ojklRw0s04mQQA&dib_tag=se&keywords=fulfilling+the+ultimate+quest&qid=1775705239&s=books&sprefix=fulfilling+the+ultimate+ques%2Cstripbooks%2C136&sr=1-1] The Love Dare - link [https://www.amazon.com/Love-Dare-Alex-Kendrick/dp/1433679590] HELPFUL LINKS: -Join an amazing group of men in the Finally Free Group here [https://www.catholicsfightporn.com/groups]. -Get daily, uplifting CFP BOOST Texts by texting SUPPORT to (941) 279-2337 or here [https://www.catholicsfightporn.com/dailytext]. -For 30 days Free of Covenant Eyes, sign up at:  https://www.covenanteyes.com [https://www.covenanteyes.com/] PROMO CODE: CFP -Get a safe, locked-down phone - a Wisephone!  Use Promo Code: CFP to save $25 - https://www.techless.com/CFP [https://www.techless.com/CFP] -Book an INTRO Call with Steve here [https://www.catholicsfightporn.com/introdiscoverycall]. -Email: steve@catholicsfightporn.com -Sign up for the email newsletter at the website -Donate [https://www.catholicsfightporn.com/donation]to CFP