Genuine Life Recovery with Jodie Stevens

Are you stuck on a life path that feels more like a rut than a road to joy? In this inspirational episode of the Serenity Series on Genuine Life Recovery, I reconnects with my childhood friend Lisa Williams to explore how the Serenity Prayer can help us face life’s twists and turns with courage and grace. Lisa shares her incredible journey of walking away from a 23-year corporate career—a decision fueled by the heartbreak of losing her mother and best friend in less than a year. But what seemed like chaos at first turned into a divine invitation for transformation. Through grief, career upheaval, and soul-deep healing, Lisa discovered the beauty of trusting God with the unknown. From redefining success beyond the 9-to-5 grind to finding comfort in programs like Celebrate Recovery, Lisa’s story is a testament to God’s ability to bring purpose from pain. If you’re navigating loss, burnout, or a major crossroads, this conversation will give you the hope and courage to embrace your God-led adventure!

Have you ever looked at your life and thought, This isn’t how it was supposed to be? Maybe your plans unraveled, your dreams shifted, addiction has left your life in pieces, recovery isn’t unfolding the way you imagined, or life’s unexpected challenges left you feeling lost. On this episode of the Genuine Life Recovery Podcast, part of our Serenity Series, I’m joined by Lisa Tannert—a speaker, writer, and recovery advocate with over 20 years of sobriety. Together, we unpack the heart of the Serenity Prayer and explore how its powerful message of acceptance and trust can transform the way we handle life’s detours. Lisa shares her personal journey of finding peace in the midst of disappointment and fear, offering practical ways to lean on God’s wisdom when life doesn’t go according to plan. Whether you’re managing a broken relationship, a missed opportunity, or a season of uncertainty, this conversation will encourage you to let go of control, embrace God’s plan, and discover serenity in the chaos. If you’ve ever wondered how to find peace when life feels off course, this episode is for you. Tune in and take the first step toward acceptance, faith, and healing.

Spilling the Tea with Marva Dupree: Healing Trauma & Restoring Wounded Faith (Episode 150) You guessed it, to celebrate 150 episodes, we Spill the Tea! I'm joined by Marva E'lane Dupree who is a mom, worship leader, coach, author, and speaker. Marva reveals her personal journey of healing from childhood trauma and finding her way back to deeper faith and living from her true center. Growing up as a pastor’s kid, Marva shares how early hurts, church expectations, and trauma left a lasting impact on her self-worth. She talks openly about the “false self” that many trauma survivors put on as a way to protect themselves and how reconnecting with God’s love helped her finally let go and embrace who she really is. Marva also offers insights on how faith communities can be safer, more welcoming places for those working through pain. This episode is a hopeful reminder that wherever you’re at in life, healing and transformation are possible. (And don't miss Marva sing a beautiful song at the end). Find out more about Marva and her work at MarvaElane.com and get a copy of her book Spilling the Tea here.

Mind Over Matter: Navigating Neurodiversity in Faith and Life (Episode 148) In this 'thought-provoking' episode, I’m joined by Barbara Grant who brings over 65 years of cumulative life experience with the neurodiverse mind through her relationships—both in marriages and with family members. Her insights are invaluable as we dive deep into the world of neurodiversity, unpacking what it means to be neurodivergent and the rich tapestry of minds that fall under this umbrella. From the creative thinker who sees the world through a unique lens to those facing everyday challenges, we’ll explore various types of neurodivergent experiences, including dyslexia (I will share my personal journey) and ADHD. Together, we'll shine a light on how these diverse minds approach creative thinking, addiction, and recovery. As we navigate the challenges and strengths inherent in neurodivergent brains, we’ll also discuss how the church can play a vital role in embracing and supporting these individuals. Join us for a fun, heartfelt, and informative discussion filled with insights, stories, and practical tips on how to foster understanding and acceptance within our communities! Barbara has more than 25 years of experience in faith-based coaching, mentoring, and counseling and is a trained Biblical counselor with a Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. She was featured in the book Uniquely Us, which explores the complicated connection between Autism, Marriage, and Faith and provides a path forward for the neurodiverse couples.

Addiction to Authenticity: George Wood’s Journey Through the Uncovery (Episode 146) George Wood understands the broken, the addicted, and the "lost" because he has been one of them. George has survived multiple suicide attempts, abuse, trauma and is in long-term recovery from alcohol and drugs. In this episode George takes us through his transformative journey from addiction to authenticity. George opens up about his personal struggles with addiction and trauma, sharing how he found a path to healing through his unique approach, the Uncovery Method. We dive into his story of overcoming deep personal challenges and how he discovered new ways to heal beyond traditional methods. George also discusses the various recovery perspectives he’s encountered and how they’ve shaped his understanding of what it means to truly recover. Through his story, George offers insights into the challenges of healing from trauma and the various ways people can find genuine recovery. Whether you’re looking for new perspectives on healing or just interested in a powerful personal story, this episode will inspire you. George Wood is a speaker, ministry leader, recovery advocate, and author of "The Uncovery, Understanding the Power of Community to Heal Trauma."

Unmasking Your True Self: Discovering God-Given Identity with Pastor Mark (Episode 144) Christian coach, author, and pastor Mark Collins joins us as we dive into faith, identity, and purpose. Mark shares his personal transformation from a career-focused life to one centered around God’s purpose. We explore the crucial role of identity in overcoming addiction and mental health challenges, discussing how embracing God’s love can lead to profound healing. Mark’s wisdom and experience is a guide for anyone struggling to understand their purpose and navigate life’s difficulties. Tune in for an insightful conversation as we mix personal stories with spiritual insights, offering hope and direction for those seeking to align their lives with their true calling.