Death to Life podcast

We talk with Josh Rittenbach about growing up with a transactional view of God and how shame fed addiction, anger, and collapse in his marriage. We also share the moment the gospel finally felt real and how forgiveness, identity in Christ, and the secret place changed the way Josh lives and fathers his girls. • growing up Adventist in small-town North Dakota and learning to perform for approval • separating God from Jesus in childhood imagination and living under a courtroom mindset • carryin...

We trace Kevin’s path from a chaotic childhood and a volatile father to marriage struggles, porn as a coping mechanism, special-needs parenting, and a surprising breakthrough when the gospel finally lands. The story turns toward freedom, confession, and a rebuilt marriage rooted in grace. • Adventist roots and a home shaped by volatility and lectures • Seven-year church break and return through pastoral care • Marriage stress from silence and mismatched intimacy models • Porn as coping, fail...

We share how a lifelong scorekeeping faith broke under the weight of grace and how salvation as a gift, not a contract, reshaped Verna’s story from control to freedom. The gospel shifts behavior from obligation to fruit, turning church culture into real communion. • upbringing in a strict, rule-focused faith culture • marriage, family conflict, and a move to Michigan • a welcoming church community and inclusive worship • parenting insights shifting from behavior to heart • resisting leadersh...

We share how a rule-shaped faith gave way to a Spirit-led life. Torie’s steady devotion and mission work collide with Jonathan’s raw honesty about addiction, and together we discover that grace, not effort, breaks chains and heals shame. • growing up Adventist, performance and reputation • mission years in Bolivia, language and leadership struggles • COVID challenges, visas, and resilience • Jonathan’s curiosity, partying, and rebaptism tension • legalism vs grace, confusion and burnout • th...

A raw journey from fear-based religion and authority wounds to healing, recovery, and identity as a beloved son. Tracy shares hard stories—addiction, grief, and legalism—and how Jesus redefined his name, his marriage, and his mission. • Early farm life shaping fear and attachment wounds • Boarding school legalism fueling secrecy and rebellion • College drift, contempt for authority, objectifying women • Nuclear site safety fight and first glimpses of God’s care • Pain meds, porn, and a terri...

We trace James’s journey from premature birth and the loss of his twin to years of school struggles, bullying, hidden shame, and a relentless search for identity that finally lands in secure sonship and freedom in Christ. The story holds nothing back—confession, dismissal from a camp, suicidal lows, and the moment the voice of truth replaced a lifetime of lies. • early trauma, survival in NICU, family faith • ADHD and dyslexia, endless school switches • bullying, social anxiety, and isolatio...