C.A.V.R. is a method of connecting with anyone who is expressing anger or sadness. It is adapted from Carol Sheets’ AVR model.
Curiosity. Acknowledgement. Validation. Reassurance.
Here is a fantastic podcast episode that outlines this method: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1h8mlHcWsJEU7yTUhmys1n
Each of these components tie into the broader skill of showing empathy.
Throughout my recovery, podcasts have been so so important. They have played a major role in leading me into health and wholeness. The more you can saturate yourself with positive messages about God-honoring, whole-hearted sexuality, the more centered you will be.
Link: https://open.spotify.com/show/74fKnylXoCOXjLqyksyX2a
The thing that I most appreciate about PD’s podcast, and what puts it at #1 for me is the way they bring in such a variety of speakers. There are multiple perspectives on specific aspects of recovery. Speakers from one week to the next might even disagree with one another’s assumptions, but they all have valuable things to consider when it comes to wholeness.
Link: https://open.spotify.com/show/6PDY48K8y2nF8SEPyQxwk7
Dr. Mark Laaser was one of the early pioneers in the Christian recovery space. His teaching is continued by one of his students, Dr. Greg Miller. As far as content goes, this material has been the most impactful to me. Faithful and True also offers intensives in Minneapolis, MN.
Link: https://open.spotify.com/show/08Ft1wtrsnYYHrkTdTQM5s
Dr. Juli Slattery is simply fantastic. She is such an incredible thinker and talks about sexual brokenness (and Christian sexuality in general) with a profound sense of compassion and wisdom.
Link: https://open.spotify.com/show/6HXy7ohWPGP4UQ31pwcljZ
This is a podcast you might not expect on this list as it actually focuses on the betrayed spouse. Ashley Jameson and Heather Kolb (from Pure Desire) answer questions that women send them about recovery and no topic is off limits. One of the keys to recovery is stepping outside of your own perspective and empathizing with those you have hurt. This podcast is a great way to start thinking about your wife’s perspective.
Link: https://open.spotify.com/show/5IrfIqUnAIiJTDedZDNwPD
The best part of Beyond the Facade is how Luke Gordon presents topics in such an accessible way. The episodes are often under 20 minutes, through many are much longer. Luke is not afraid to call men out for the subtle mindsets and behaviors that keep them stuck.
Link: https://open.spotify.com/show/2uufJlI9gxzZT0Shz8p4qV
I am fairly new to this podcast compared to the ones listed above, but it is fantastic. Roane and Eva Hunter seem to have a unique ability to speak right to the heart of Christian men in recovery. I have found some of their material profoundly convicting. They are also not afraid to talk about the negative dynamics that both spouses can bring into a disconnected marriage.
Link: https://open.spotify.com/show/2zJhzw5W5kblckLNaQ0l0j
This one isn’t specifically about recovery. However, I have found it to be very valuable when it comes to thinking wisely about healthy relationships. Jimmy is a Christian who had an affair and that launched him on his own journey of health and wholeness that resulted in this podcast. Jimmy also has some amazingly humorous and hard-hitting videos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JimmyonRelationships